Gaming machine specifying relation between symbols using two-dimensional code and playing method thereof

ABSTRACT

The reels having many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols are rotated and stopped, so that the symbols are arranged in a display. When the symbols are rearranged, a photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes and a relation between the symbols rearranged in the display is specified by a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/924,977, filed on Jun. 7, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a plying method thereof

2. Description of Related Art

In a conventional gaming machine, when a player inserts a game medium such as coin or bill into an insertion slot of the gaming machine and presses a start button, symbols are scroll-displayed in a display mounted on a front of a cabinet and are then stopped automatically.

In such a gaming machine, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,114, many symbols are provided on a transparent reel cover layer, marks corresponding to the symbols are provided at end edges of the reel cover layers and the reels are rotated and stopped, so that the symbols are variably displayed as a display. By reading the mark corresponding to the symbol, a position of the symbol is detected. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,074,258 discloses a technology of optically sensing a position of a moving band.

Since the conventional gaming machine scans a reading object by using movement of the reels to detect positions of the symbols rearranged, it cannot read the positions when the reels are stopped, for example.

Accordingly, it is typically used that a reel band having the symbols provided thereto is wound on a reel wheel connected to a step motor and a position of the symbol in a display is specified by a rotation angle of the reel wheel. In this case, it is required to precisely wind and attach the reel band on the reel wheel. However, the operation is a delicate operation, so that it is difficult to attach the reel band.

In the mean time, an illegal action is often taken which shakes a gaming machine after the reels are stopped, thereby shifting the stop position of the symbol.

The invention is to provide a gaming machine that specifies a relation between symbols after rearrangement, which is not provided in the prior art, and a playing method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a gaming machine having structures as described below. The gaming machine comprises a display, a photographing apparatus and a controller. The display has a reel having many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols and arranges the symbols. The photographing apparatus photographs the two-dimensional codes. The controller is programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(d).

The controller is programmed:

(a) to rearrange the symbols;

(b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and

(d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols.

Accordingly, after the rearrangement, a relation between the symbols can be specified and a winning can be determined.

The invention provides a gaming machine having structures as described below. The gaming machine comprises a display, a photographing apparatus, a notifying device and a controller. The display has a reel having many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols and arranges the symbols. The photographing apparatus photographs the two-dimensional codes. The notifying device notifies a certain fact to an outside. The controller is programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(g).

The controller is programmed:

(a) to rearrange the symbols;

(b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged;

(d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols;

(e) to specify a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement;

(f) to compare the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and

(g) when a result of the comparison is different, to notify it by the notifying device.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols. After the rearrangement, a relation between the symbols is specified at a predetermined interval. When the relation is different that in the previous time, it is notified by the notifying apparatus.

Accordingly, when a relation between the symbols is changed by an illegal means, for example, after the rearrangement, it can be notified.

The invention provides a gaming machine having structures as described below. The gaming machine comprises a display, a photographing apparatus and a controller. The display has a reel having a reel band wound thereon, which has many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols, and arranges the symbols. The photographing apparatus photographs the two-dimensional codes. The controller is programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(d).

The controller is programmed:

(a) to rearrange the symbols;

(b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and

(d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes provided to a reel band and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols.

Accordingly, since the two-dimensional codes are provided to the reel band, when the reel band is attached to a reel body, it is possible to omit an operation of correctly fitting a position of the reel body and the reel band. Thereby, it is possible to easily attach the reel band.

The invention provides a gaming machine having structures as described below. The gaming machine comprises a display, a photographing apparatus and a controller. The display has a reel having a reel band wound thereon, which has many symbols on a surface thereof, two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols on a back surface thereof, and arranges the symbols. The photographing apparatus photographs the two-dimensional codes. The controller is programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(d)

The controller is programmed:

(a) to rearrange the symbols;

(b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and

(d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols. To a rear of the reel band having the photographed two-dimensional codes provided thereto are provided the symbols corresponding to the two-dimensional codes.

Accordingly, it is possible to specify a relation between the symbols and to determine a winning, more simply.

The invention provides a gaming machine having structures as described below. The gaming machine comprises a display, a photographing apparatus, a notifying device and a controller. The display has a reel having a reel band wound thereon, which has many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols, and arranges the symbols. The photographing apparatus photographs the two-dimensional codes. The notifying device notifies a certain fact to an outside. The controller is programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(g).

The controller is programmed:

(a) to rearrange the symbols;

(b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged;

(d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols;

(e) to specify a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement;

(f) to compare the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and

(g) when a result of the comparison is different, to notify it by the notifying device.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes provided to the reel band and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols. After the rearrangement, a relation between the symbols is specified at a predetermined interval. When the relation is different that in the previous time, it is notified by the notifying apparatus. The reel band is provided with the two-dimensional codes.

Accordingly, when a relation between the symbols is changed by an illegal means, for example, after the rearrangement, it can be notified. In addition, since the reel band has the two-dimensional codes, when the reel band is attached to a reel body, it is possible to omit an operation of correctly fitting a position of the reel body and the reel band. Thereby, it is possible to easily attach the reel band.

The invention provides a gaming machine having structures as described below. The gaming machine comprises a display, a photographing apparatus, a notifying device and a controller. The display has a reel having a reel band wound thereon, which has many symbols on a surface thereof and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols on a back surface thereof, and arranges the symbols. The photographing apparatus photographs the two-dimensional codes. The notifying device notifies a certain fact to an outside. The controller is programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(g).

The controller is programmed:

(a) to rearrange the symbols;

(b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged;

(d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols;

(e) to specify a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement;

(f) to compare the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and

(g) when a result of the comparison is different, to notify it by the notifying device.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols. After the rearrangement, a relation between the symbols is specified at a predetermined interval. When the relation is different that in the previous time, it is notified by the notifying apparatus. A back surface of the reel band having the photographed two-dimensional codes is provided with the symbols corresponding to the two-dimensional codes.

Accordingly, when a relation between the symbols is changed by an illegal means, for example, after the rearrangement, it can be notified. In addition, it is possible to specify a relation between the symbols and to determine a winning, more simply.

The invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display. The display has a reel having many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols. The playing method comprises steps of:

(a) rearranging the symbols;

(b) enabling a photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and

(d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols.

Accordingly, after the rearrangement, a relation between the symbols can be specified and a winning can be determined.

The invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display. The display has a reel having many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols. The playing method comprises steps of:

(a) rearranging the symbols;

(b) enabling a photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged;

(d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols;

(e) specifying a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement;

(f) comparing the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and

(g) when a result of the comparison is different, notifying it by the notifying device.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols. After the rearrangement, a relation between the symbols is specified at a predetermined interval. When the relation is different that in the previous time, it is notified by the notifying apparatus.

Accordingly, when a relation between the symbols is changed by an illegal means, for example, after the rearrangement, it can be notified.

The invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display. The display has a reel having a reel band wound thereon that has many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols. The playing method comprises steps of:

(a) rearranging the symbols;

(b) enabling the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and

(d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes provided to a reel band and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols.

Accordingly, since the two-dimensional codes are provided to the reel band, when the reel band is attached to a reel body, it is possible to omit an operation of correctly fitting a position of the reel body and the reel band. Thereby, it is possible to easily attach the reel band.

The invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display. The display has a reel having a reel band wound thereon that has many symbols on a surface thereof and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols on a back surface thereof. The playing method comprises steps of:

(a) rearranging the symbols;

(b) enabling a photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and

(d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols. To a rear of the reel band having the photographed two-dimensional codes provided thereto are provided the symbols corresponding to the two-dimensional codes.

Accordingly, it is possible to specify a relation between the symbols and to determine a winning, more simply.

The invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display. The display has a reel having a reel band wound thereon that has many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols. The playing method comprises steps of:

(a) rearranging the symbols;

(b) enabling the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged;

(d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols;

(e) specifying a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement;

(f) comparing the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and

(g) when a result of the comparison is different, notifying it by the notifying device.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes provided to the reel band and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols. After the rearrangement, a relation between the symbols is specified at a predetermined interval. When the relation is different that in the previous time, it is notified by the notifying apparatus. The reel band is provided with the two-dimensional codes.

Accordingly, when a relation between the symbols is changed by an illegal means, for example, after the rearrangement, it can be notified. In addition, since the reel band has the two-dimensional codes, when the reel band is attached to a reel body, it is possible to omit an operation of correctly fitting a position of the reel body and the reel band. Thereby, it is possible to easily attach the reel band.

The invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display. The display has a reel having a reel band wound thereon that has many symbols on a surface thereof and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols on a back surface thereof. The playing method comprises steps of:

(a) rearranging the symbols;

(b) enabling the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes;

(c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged;

(d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols;

(e) specifying a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement;

(f) comparing the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and

(g) when a result of the comparison is different, notifying it by the notifying device.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols. After the rearrangement, a relation between the symbols is specified at a predetermined interval. When the relation is different that in the previous time, it is notified by the notifying apparatus. A back surface of the reel band having the photographed two-dimensional codes is provided with the symbols corresponding to the two-dimensional codes.

Accordingly, when a relation between the symbols is changed by an illegal means, for example, after the rearrangement, it can be notified. In addition, it is possible to specify a relation between the symbols and to determine a winning, more simply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which an illegal action is taken for a gaming machine;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a reel seen from an inside of a cabinet;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reel;

FIG. 4 illustrates a corresponding relation between a symbol and a two-dimensional code;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a gaming machine;

FIG. 6 illustrates symbols and code numbers thereof;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a gaming machine;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a game executing process;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a reel position acquiring process;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an illegality determining process;

FIG. 11A illustrates a corresponding relation between a symbol and a two-dimensional code; and

FIG. 11B illustrates a corresponding relation between a symbol and a two-dimensional code.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1

Hereinafter, it will be described an embodiment of a gaming machine and a playing method according to the invention. In the mean time, although a slot machine is exemplified as an example of the gaming machine in the embodiment, the invention is not limited thereto.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a slot machine 10 executes a playing method comprising steps of: rotating each of three reels 151L, 151C, 151R in a predetermined timing to scroll symbols 161 of an arrangement area (display windows 150L, 150C, 150R) and then to rearrange the symbols; enabling a photographing apparatus 154 to take a photograph of two-dimensional codes 160 provided to the reels 151; acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes 160 photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols 161 rearranged; and determining a winning by the relation between the symbols 161 rearranged.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the slot machine executes a playing method comprising steps of: rotating each of three reels 151L, 151C, 151R in a predetermined timing to scroll symbols 161 of an arrangement area (display windows 150L, 150C, 150R) and then to rearrange the symbols; enabling a photographing apparatus 154 to take a photograph of two-dimensional codes 160 provided to the reels 151; acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes 160 photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols 161 rearranged; determining a winning by the relation between the symbols 161 rearranged; specifying a relation between the symbols 161 at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement; comparing the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and when a result of the comparison is different, notifying a hall computer 301 of it by a network 300.

Herein, the “arrangement” means a state in which the symbols 161 including the scatter symbol are allowed to be visible with naked eyes of an exterior player. In other words, in FIG. 1, the symbols 161 are under state of being displayed in the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R. In the mean time, the “rearrangement” means arranging the reels again after dismissing the arrangement of the symbols 161. In addition, a “payline” L is provided to determine a combination of the symbols 161. Specifically, a single payline L is set in the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R and a single symbol 161 is respectively arranged on the payline L. Then, a combination is determined for the symbols 161 rearranged on the payline. As a result of the determination for a combination, when a winning combination is made, it is carried out, for example, a process of paying out a coin in accordance with the winning combination.

In addition, a “scatter symbol” is a symbol making it a condition that a winning is made through only the arrangement thereof, irrespective of the payline L. In other words, when the scatter symbol is rearranged, a winning is made and it is carried out, for example, a process of paying out a coin on the basis of the number of all the scatter symbols rearranged. Furthermore, when a predetermined number of scatter symbols is rearranged, a winning of the scatter symbol is made and a coin is paid out. In addition, the “symbol” 161 means all symbols used in the slot machine 10 and includes the scatter symbol. The payline L, the symbol 161, the winning combination and the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R will be more specifically described later.

(Lower Image Display Panel 16)

Herein, a structure of a lower image display panel 16 is described. The lower image display panel 16, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a front panel 131 consisting of a protective glass 132 and a display plate 133, a transparent liquid crystal panel 134, a light guide plate 135, a reflective film 136, fluorescent lamps 137 a, 137 b, 138 a, 138 b, which are so-called white light sources, lamp holders 139 a˜139 f and a table carrier package (TCP) having a transparent liquid crystal panel driving IC mounted thereon. The TCP is comprised of a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal of the transparent liquid crystal panel 134 and the like.

The protective glass 132 and the display plate 133 consist of transparent members. On a back surface of the display plate 133 are arranged an electric circuit for operating the various lamps and the various display units and the like (not shown).

The transparent liquid crystal panel 134 is formed by encapsulating the liquid crystal between a transparent substrate having a thin film transistor layer formed, such as glass plate, and a transparent substrate oppose to the substrate. A display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 134 is set as a normally white mode. The normally white is such a structure that a white display (the light having transmitted the display surface is visible from an outside) is made when the liquid crystal is not driven.

The light guide plate 135 is provided to guide the light from the fluorescent lamps 137 a, 137 b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 134, is provided to a rear of the transparent liquid crystal panel 134 and is comprised of, for example a transparent member (it has a light guide function) having a thickness of approximately 2 cm, such as acryl based resin.

As the reflective film 136, a thing is used which is formed by forming a silver vapor deposition film on a white polyester film or aluminum thin film. The reflective film reflects the light, which is introduced into the light guide plate 135, toward a front of the light guide plate 135. The reflective film 136 consists of a reflective area 136A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 136B.

The fluorescent lamps 137 a, 137 b are disposed along upper and lower ends of the light guide plate 135 and both ends thereof are supported by the lamp holder 139. The light illuminated from the fluorescent lamps 137 a, 137 b is reflected on the reflective area 136A of the reflective film 136, thereby illuminating the transparent liquid crystal panel 134.

The fluorescent lamps 138 a, 138 b are disposed toward the rotation reels 151L, 151C, 151R at upper and lower positions of the rear of the reflective film 136. The light, which is illuminated from the fluorescent lamps 138 a, 138 b, is reflected on the surface of the rotation reels 151L, 151C, 151R and is then introduced into the non-reflective area 136B, illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 134.

In the slot machine 10, only a partial area of the lower image display panel 16 is an area that is switched into a transparent/non-transparent state. However, in the gaming machine of the invention, an overall area of a display screen of the liquid crystal display device may be an area that is switched into a transparent/non-transparent state. In this case, when an overall area of the lower image display panel 16 is made to be an area that is switched into a transparent or non-transparent state in the slot machine 10, an entire of the reflective film 56 may be set as the non-transparent area 136B, or alternatively, the reflective film 136 may be omitted.

(Structure of the Reels 151)

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the reel 151L. Meanwhile, since the other reels 151C, 151R have the same structure as the reel 151L, the descriptions and illustrations of the reels 151C, 151R are omitted. The reel 151L consists of a reel wheel 156 and a reel band 157. The reel wheel 156 is a hollow member having a cylindrical shape. On a periphery of the reel wheel 156 is wound the reel band 157 having the symbols 161. In the state in which the reel band 157 is wound on the reel wheel 156, the symbols are arranged on a surface of the reel band 157 along the circumferential direction of the cylinder. In the mean time, in the state in which the reel band 157 is wound on the reel wheel 156, two-dimensional codes 160 corresponding to the symbols 161 are arranged on a back surface of the reel band 157.

In addition, a step motor 152L serving as a driving unit is provided in the reel wheel 156.

The step motor 152L is fixed to a support plate (not shown). A driving shaft of the step motor 152L is fixed to a rotation shaft of the reel wheel 156. When the step motor 152L is driven, the reel 151L is rotated. The step motor 152L is electrically connected to a sub CPU 155 (which will be described later) through a motor driving circuit 153. The sub CPU 155 controls the step motor 152L and the like through the motor driving circuit 153, as described below, thereby rotating or stopping the reels 151L, 151C, 151R.

In addition, a left camera 154L serving as a photographing apparatus is provided in the reel wheel 156. The left camera 154L takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160. The left camera 154L is electrically connected to the sub CPU 155 that is described below. The sub CPU 155 enables the left camera 154L to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160 and acquires the two-dimensional codes 160 photographed, which will be described later.

Herein, the “two-dimensional code” is a code having information of horizontal and vertical directions, contrary to a one-dimensional code having information of a horizontal direction only, which is referred to as a barcode. The two-dimensional code can encode much more information, as compared to the one-dimensional code (barcode).

(Corresponding Relation Between the Symbols 161 and the Two-Dimensional Codes 160)

FIG. 4 illustrates a surface and a back surface of the reel band 157. The symbols 161 are attached on the surface of the reel band 157. In addition, on the back surface of the reel band 157 are attached the two-dimensional codes 160 that correspond to the symbols 161 attached on the surface of the reel band 157. On back surfaces of the symbols 161 attached on the surface of the reel band 157 are attached the two-dimensional codes 160 corresponding to the symbols 161.

Specifically, the symbol 161 a attached on the surface is “RED 7” and the two-dimensional code 160 a having the information representing the “RED 7” is attached on the back surface of the reel band 157 on which the symbol 161 a is attached. In addition, although the symbol 161 b attached on the surface is “1 BAR” having a code number 11 illustrated in FIG. 6, the two-dimensional code 160 b having the information representing the “1 BAR” of the code number 11 is attached on the back surface of the reel band 157 having the symbol 161 b attached thereto. Likewise, on the back surface of the reel band 157 having the symbol 161 c of “DOUBLE” attached thereto is attached the two-dimensional code 160 c having the information representing the “DOUBLE.” Likewise, on the back surface of the reel band 157 having the symbol 161 d of “3 BAR” attached thereto is attached the two-dimensional code 160 d having the information representing the “3 Bar.” Likewise, on the back surface of the reel band 157 having the symbol 161 e of “BLANK” attached thereto is attached the two-dimensional code 160 e having the information representing the “BLANK.” Likewise, on the back surface of the reel band 157 having the symbol 161 f of “BLUE 7” attached thereto is attached the two-dimensional code 160 f having the information representing the “BLUE 7.”

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes provided to a reel band and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols.

Accordingly, since the two-dimensional codes are provided to the reel band, when the reel band is attached to a reel body, it is possible to omit an operation of correctly fitting a position of the reel body and the reel band. Thereby, it is possible to easily attach the reel band.

According to the above structure, the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes and a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols is specified and a winning is determined through the specified relation between the symbols. To a rear of the reel band having the photographed two-dimensional codes provided thereto are provided the symbols corresponding to the two-dimensional codes.

Accordingly, it is possible to specify a relation between the symbols and to determine a winning, more simply.

(Symbol Arrangement Unit 101)

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the slot machine executing the playing method comprises a symbol arrangement unit 101, a game controller 100 and a photographing unit 154. The symbol arrangement unit 101 comprises the reels 151 (151L, 151C, 151R) having the symbols 161 including the scatter symbol attached on the periphery thereof, a reel driving unit 116 and the two-dimensional codes 160 corresponding to the respective symbols and is such structured that the reel driving unit 116 rotates the reels 151 to arrange the symbols 161 in the arrangement area (display windows 150L, 150C, 150R) having the single payline L. The photographing unit 154 takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160.

The symbol arrangement unit 101, as described above, may be a mechanical structure with a reel device for arranging the symbols 161 by rotation of a reel. Further, the symbol arrangement unit 101 may be a structure of combining a mechanical structure (reel) and an electrical structure (video reel). The electrical structure may include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display and the like. In addition, the number of the display windows (arrangement area) 150L, 150C, 150R may be arbitrary and the number of the symbols 161 to be arranged in the respective display windows may be arbitrary. Moreover, the payline L may be plural depending on the number of the display windows and the number of the symbols 161 to be arranged in the display windows.

(Game Controller 100)

The game controller 100 is configured to execute a first process of rotating the reels 151 (151L, 151C, 151R) to arrange the symbols 161 in the arrangement area (display windows 150L, 150C, 150R), scrolling each of the symbols 161 in different timings for each of the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R and then rearranging the symbols; a second process of enabling the photographing unit 154 to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160 provided to the reels 151; a third process of acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes 160 photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols 161 rearranged; a fourth process of determining an award of a payout based on a combination of the symbols 161 rearranged on the payline L; a fifth process of specifying a relation between the symbols 161 at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement; a sixth process of comparing the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and a seventh process of when a result of the comparison is different, notifying a hall computer 301 of it by a network 300. In other words, the game controller 100 has first to seventh processing units.

The game controller 100 has a reel position determining unit 117 and a reel control unit 103. The reel position determining unit 117 enables the photographing unit 154 to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160, and specifies a position of the reel and the symbols 161 arranged, by a content of the two-dimensional codes 160 photographed. In addition, the reel control unit 103 rotates the reels 151 (151L, 151C, 151R) to scroll and stop the symbols 161 in the arrangement area, thereby rearranging the symbols 161.

Further, the game controller 100 is connected to a game start unit 109. The game start unit 109 has a function of outputting a game start signal in accordance with an operation of the player. The game controller 100 comprises a game executing unit 110 for rearranging the symbols with an input of a game start signal, as trigger, from the game start unit 109, a combination payout determining unit 111 for determining a payout determined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on the payline in a unit game, and a payout award unit 113 for awarding the respective payouts determined in the combination payout determining unit 111.

Furthermore, the game controller 100 has an illegality determining unit 118 and an illegality notifying unit 119. The illegality determining unit 118 determines whether the symbols rearranged on the payline in a unit game are illegally rearranged after the rearrangement. When it is determined in the illegality determining unit 118 that an illegality is made, the illegality notifying unit 119 notifies the hall computer 150 of the illegality through the network 300.

In the mean time, each block of the game controller 100 may be structured with a hardware or software, as required.

(Operation of the Game Controller 100)

In the followings, an operation of the game controller 100 is described.

When a game start signal is outputted from the game start unit 109 by an operation of the player, the reel control unit 103 starts a process of rotating the reels and the game executing unit 110 starts a unit game, so that the rearrangement of the symbols 161 is started (first process). At this time, the symbols 161 are rearranged in the different timings for each of the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R by the reel control unit 103. When the symbols 161 are rearranged as the unit game is started, the reel position determining unit 117 enables the photographing unit 154 to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160 (second process). A content of the two-dimensional codes 160 photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols 161 rearranged is specified (third process). After the rearrangement, the second and third processes are performed at a predetermined interval, so that a relation between the symbols 161 rearranged is specified (fifth process). The specified relation between the symbols 161 in the fifth process is compared with a relation between the symbols 161 in the previous time (sixth process). Then, when it is determined that the specified relation between the symbols 161 is different from the relation between the symbols 161 in the previous time, the hall computer 301 is notified of it through the network 300 (seventh process).

In the mean time, when all the symbols 161 of the arrangement area (display windows 150L, 150C, 150R) are rearranged, the reel position determining unit 117 enables the photographing unit 154 to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160 (second process) A content of the two-dimensional codes 160 photographed is acquired, so that a relation between the symbols 161 rearranged is specified (third process).

The combination payout determining unit 111 determines a payout based on a combination of the symbols 161 rearranged on the specified payline L in the third process (fourth process). Then, the determined payout is awarded by the payout award unit 113.

Then, after the rearrangement, the second and third processes are performed at a predetermined interval, so that a relation of the symbols 161 rearranged is specified (fifth process). The specified relation between the symbols 161 in the fifth process and a relation between the symbols 161 in the previous time are compared (sixth process) Then, when it is determined that the specified relation between the symbols 161 is different from the relation between the symbols 161 in the previous time, the hall computer 301 is notified of it through the network 300 (seventh process).

In the mean time, the game controller may have the first to fourth processes, or may have the first to seventh processes.

By rearranging the symbols, the game controller 100 executes the second process of enabling the photographing unit 154 to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160, the third process of acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes 160 photographed to specify a relation between the symbols 161 rearranged and the fourth process of determining a payout by the specified relation between the symbols 161.

According to the above structure, the game controller 100 executes the first to fourth processes, so that the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes, a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired to specify a relation between the symbols and a winning is determined from the specified relation between the symbols. Accordingly, after the symbols are rearranged, a relation between the symbols can be specified and a winning can be determined.

The game controller 100 executes the fifth process of executing the second and third processes at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols 161, the sixth process of comparing the specified relation between the symbols 161 with a relation between the symbols in the previous time and the seventh process of when a result of the comparison is different, notifying the hall computer 301 of it through the network 300.

According to the above structure, the game controller 100 executes the first to seventh processes, so that the symbols are rearranged, the photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes, a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed is acquired to specify a relation between the symbols and a winning is determined from the specified relation between the symbols. After the rearrangement, a relation between the symbols is specified at a predetermined interval. When the specified relation is different from that in the previous time, it is notified by the notifying device. Accordingly, after the symbols are rearranged, when the relation between the symbols is changed by an illegal means, for example, it can be notified.

(Display State)

It is specifically described an example of a display state of the display, with respect to the operation processes of the slot machine 10 and the playing method. In the mean time, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the display state is described with reference to a structure in which the reels 151 are mechanical reels and the reels 151 having the symbols 161 attached thereto are rotated to arrange the symbols 161 in the arrangement area.

The display has the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R as the arrangement area for arranging the symbols 161. The display windows 150L, 150C, 150R are arranged in a central part of the display. In the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R, the reels 151, which are provided to the rear and have the symbols 161 attached to the periphery thereof, are rotated to scroll-display the symbols 161. The rotation of the reels 151 is stopped, so that the symbols 161 are respectively stopped (arranged) in each of the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R. For example, “1 BAR” is stopped in the display window 150L, “RED 7” is stopped in the display window 150C and “BLANK” is stopped in the display window 150R. As a result, the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R display a symbol matrix consisting of 3 columns and 1 row. In the mean time, the symbol matrix is not limited to 3 columns/1 row.

(Symbol, Combination and the Like)

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the symbols 161 to be displayed in the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R of the display constitute symbol columns with 22 symbols. The symbols constituting the respective columns of symbols are given with one code number of 0˜21. Each of the symbol columns is constituted with a combination of symbols of “RED 7,” “BLUE 7,” “BLANK,” “CHERRY,” “1 BAR,” “2 BAR,” “3 BAR,” “DOUBLE” and “TRIPLE.”

The three successive symbols in the symbol columns are displayed (arranged) in the respective display windows 150L, 150C, 150R, so that they constitute a symbol matrix of 3 columns/1 row in the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R. When a 1-BET button 26 or MAX-BET button 27 is pushed and then a spin button 23 is pushed, the symbols 161 constituting the symbol matrix starts the scroll as the reels 151 are rotated. When the scroll starts, the scrolls of the respective symbols are stopped (rearranged) after a predetermined time period has elapsed.

In addition, various winning combinations are predetermined with regard to the respective symbols. The winning combination is a combination that a combination of symbols stopped on the payline L becomes an advantageous state to the player. The advantageous state is a state in which a coin is paid out in accordance with the winning combination, a state in which the payout-number of coins is added to a credit, a state in which a bonus game is started, and the like.

Specifically, when a combination of “BLUE 7” symbol is stopped on the payline L, a bonus trigger is made and a gaming state is shifted to a bonus game from a basic game. In addition, when a symbol of “CHERRY” is stopped on the payline L, 20 coins (game medium) are paid out per one bet. When a symbol of “1 BAR” is stopped on the payline L, 5 coins are paid out per one bet.

In the mean time, a bonus game is a gaming state that is more advantageous than a basic game. In one embodiment, the bonus game is a free game. The free game is a gaming state allowing a player to play a game for a predetermined number of times, without betting a coin. The bonus game is not particularly limited as long as it is a gaming state advantageous to the player, i.e., it is more advantageous than the basic game. For example, the bonus game may include a state in which it is possible to obtain more game medium than the basic game, a state in which it is possible to obtain a game medium in a higher probability than in the basic game, a state in which a game medium is less consumed than in the basic game, and the like. Specifically, a free game, a second game and the like are examples of the bonus game.

(Mechanical Structure)

In the followings, it will be described an example of the slot machine 10 structured in a mechanical and electrical manner.

The slot machine 10 is provided in a game arcade. The slot machine 10 executes a unit game by using a game medium. The game medium is a coin, bill or electronic negotiable information corresponding to them. Meanwhile, in the invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. For example, a medal, token, electronic money, ticket and the like can be used. The ticket is not particularly limited and may be a ticket with a barcode that will be described later.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 comprises a cabinet 11, a top box 12 provided to an upper part of the cabinet 11 and a main door 13 provided to a front of the cabinet 11. The main door 13 is provided with a lower image display panel 16. The lower image display panel 16 has a transparent liquid crystal panel for displaying a variety of information. The lower image display panel 16 displays, in the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R under transparent state, a part of the symbols 161 of the reels 151L, 151C, 151R provided to the rear and displays a variety of information and effect images relating to a game.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R are displayed in the lower image display panel 16 and the mechanical reels 151L, 151C, 151R having the symbols attached to the periphery thereof are used to display the symbols of 3 columns and 1 row. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

A single activated payline L is displayed in the lower image display panel 16. The payline L may be two lines or more. In addition, when two or more paylines L are provided, the paylines L corresponding to a predetermined condition such as bet-number of coins may be activated.

Meanwhile, a credit-number display unit and a payout-number display unit may be displayed in the lower image display panel 16. The credit-number display unit displays a total number that can be paid out to a player by the slot machine 10 (hereinafter, it referred to as a total credit-number). The payout-number display unit displays a number of coins that are paid out when a combination of the symbols stopped on the payline L becomes a winning combination.

A control panel 20, a coin receiving slot 21 and a bill validator 22 are provided below the lower image display panel 16. The control panel 20 is provided with several buttons 23˜27. The buttons 23˜27 allows instructions, which are related to a game progress by a player, to be inputted. The coin receiving slot 21 enables a coin to be received in the cabinet 11.

The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a change button 24, a cash out button 25, a 1-BET button 26 and a MAX-BET 27. The spin button 23 is a button for rotating the reels 151 and inputting an instruction to start the scroll of symbols. The change button 24 is a button to be used when a player asks a staff in the game arcade for exchange of money. The cash out button 25 is a button for inputting an instruction to pay out the coins of total credit-number into a coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is a button for inputting an instruction to bet one coin, among coins of the total credit-number, per one game. The MAX-BET button 27 is a button for inputting an instruction to bet maximum coins (for example, 50 coins), among coins of the total credit-number, per one game.

The bill validator 22 validates whether bill is normal or not and receives the normal bill into the cabinet 11. In the mean time, the bill validator 22 can read a ticket 39 having a barcode that will be described later. When the bill validator 22 reads the ticket 39 having a barcode, it outputs a reading signal relating to the read content to a main CPU 41.

A belly glass 34 is provided to a lower frontal surface of the main door 13, i.e., below the control panel 20. A character of the slot machine 10 and the like are drawn on the belly glass 34. An upper image display panel 33 is mounted to a front of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 has a liquid crystal panel and displays, for example, an effect image and an image indicating an introduction of a game content and an explanation of a game rule.

To the top box 12 is mounted a speaker 29 for outputting a voice sound. A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data displayer 37 and a keypad 38 are provided below the upper image display panel 33. The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode having data encoded thereto, such as credit-number, date and time, identification number of the slot machine 10 and the like, onto a ticket, thereby outputting the ticket 39 having the barcode. The player can play a game in another slot machine with the ticket 39 having a barcode and exchange the ticket 39 having a barcode with bill in a change booth of the game arcade.

The card reader 36 reads and writes the data from and into a smart card. The smart card is a card carried by a player, into which data for identifying the player and data relating to a game history of the player are memorized.

The data displayer 37 consists of a fluorescent display and the like, and displays the data read by the card reader 36 and the data inputted by the player through the keypad 38. The keypad 38 inputs instructions or data relating to a ticket issue.

(Electrical Structure)

A control unit having the game controller 100 illustrated in FIG. 5 is mounted in the cabinet 11. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control unit comprises a motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gaming board 50, a sub CPU 61, a door PCB 80, and various switches and sensors.

The gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52 which are connected to each other by an internal bus, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53 and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.

The memory card 53 stores a game program and a game system program therein. The game program includes a stop symbol determining program. The stop symbol determining program is a program for determining a symbol (code number corresponding to the symbol) to be stopped on the payline L. The stop symbol determining program includes symbol weight data corresponding to each of plural payout rate (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weight data is data representing a correspondence relation between the code number of each symbol and 1 or plural random numbers belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0˜256) for each of the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R.

The payout rate is determined on the basis of data for setting a payout rate, which data is outputted from the GAL 54, and a stop symbol is determined on the basis of the symbol weight data corresponding to the payout rate.

Further, the memory card 53 stores various data used for the game program and the game system program. For example, the data, which represents a relationship between the symbols 161 displayed in the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R of FIG. 1 and the code numbers, is stored in a data table form. Further, these data are transmitted to a RAM 43 of the motherboard 40 when executing the game program.

In addition, the card slot 53S is structured to insert and remove the memory card 53 and connected to the motherboard 40 through an IDE bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change a type or content of a game to be executed in the slot machine 10, by removing the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game program and game system program in the memory card 53 and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S.

The game program includes a program relating to a game progress and a program for shifting a gaming state into a bonus game.

The GAL 54 is provided with plural input and output ports. When the data is inputted into the input ports, the GAL 54 outputs data corresponding to the inputted data from the output ports. The data outputted from the output ports is the data for setting a payout rate which has been described above.

The IC socket 54S is structured to attach and detach the GAL 54. The IC socket 54S is connected to the motherboard 40 through a PCI bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change the data for setting a payout rate which is outputted from the GAL 54, by detaching the GAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, rewriting the program stored in the GAL 54 and then attaching the GAL 54 to the IC socket 54S.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52, which are connected to each other by the internal bus, are connected to the motherboard 40 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus carries out a signal transfer between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power to the gaming board 50 from the motherboard 40. The ROM 55 stores nation identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) enabling the CPU 51 to execute the preliminary authentication program.

The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The authentication program is a program for confirming and verifying that the game program and the game system program are not falsified. In other words, the authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for verifying that the authentication to be authenticated is not falsified, i.e., for authenticating the authentication program.

The motherboard 40 is provided with a main CPU 41 (controller), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43 and a communication interface 44.

The main CPU 41 has functions of a controller for controlling the whole slot machine 10. In particular, the main CPU 41 carries out a control for outputting a command signal enabling the sub CPU 61 to rotate the reels 151 when the spin button 23 is pushed after the credit is bet, a control for determining symbols to be stopped after the reels 151 are rotated and a control for stopping the determined symbols in the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R.

In other words, the main CPU 41 has functions of an arrangement controller for selecting and determining arrangement symbols with regard to a symbol matrix from the plural types of symbols so as to rearrange them, as a new symbol matrix after scrolling the plural symbols to be displayed in the lower image display panel 16, and executing an arrangement control which will be stopped at the determined symbols from the scroll state.

In addition, the main CPU 41 has a function of the game controller 100 executing a first process of rotating each of the reels 151 (reels 151L, 151C, 151R) based on a predetermined timing, thereby scrolling the symbols (symbols 161) in the arrangement area (display windows 150L, 150C, 150R) and then rearranging them; a second process of determining a winning by a relation (winning combination) between the symbols rearranged; and a third process of after a predetermined condition is fulfilled, rotating the reels to covert the scroll direction of the symbols.

The ROM 42 stores a program such as BIOS (Basis Input/Output System) to be executed by the main CPU 41, and data that is permanently used. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, each of peripheral devices is initialized and the game program and the game system program stored in the memory card 53 are read out through the gaming board 50. The RAM 43 stores the data or program that is used when the CPU 41 carries out a process.

The communication interface 44 is provided to communicate with a host computer and the like through a communication line, which are mounted in the game arcade. In addition, the motherboard 40 is connected to the main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and the door PCB 80 through a USB (Universal Serial Bus). Further, the motherboard 40 is connected to a power unit 45. When power is supplied to the motherboard 40 from the power unit 45, the main CPU 41 of the motherboard 40 is operated and the power is supplied to the gaming board 50 through the PCI bus, so that the CPU 51 is also operated.

The main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected to a device or apparatus for producing an input signal that will be inputted to the main CPU 41, and a device or apparatus that is controlled by the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes the game program and the game system program stored in the RAM 43, based on the input signal inputted to the main CPU 41 to carry out an arithmetic process, thereby storing a result thereof in the RAM 43 or transmitting a control signal to each device or apparatus to control it.

The main body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 30, the sub CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin sensor 67, a graphic board 68, the speaker 29, the bill validator 22, the ticket printer 35, the card reader 36, a key switch 38S and the data displayer 37.

The turning on and off of the lamp 30 is controlled, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The sub CPU 155 controls the rotation and stopping of the reels 151 (151L, 151C, 151R). The sub CPU 155 is connected with the motor driving circuit 155 having a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) (not shown) and a driver (not shown). The FPGA is a programmable electronic circuit such as LSI and serves as a control circuit of the step motor 152. The driver serves as an amplifying circuit of a pulse to be inputted into the step motor 152. The motor driving circuit 152 is connected with the step motors 152 (152L, 152C, 152R) to rotate the respective reels 151. The step motors 152 are a step motor of a 1-2 phase exciting type.

In the invention, the exciting type of the step motor is not particularly limited. For example, a 2-phases exciting type, a 1-phase exciting type may be adopted. In addition, a DC motor may be adopted instead of the step motor. When a DC motor is adopted, the sub CPU 155 is connected with a D/A converter and a servo amplifier, sequentially. The servo amplifier is connected with the DC motor. In addition, a rotating position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder and a current rotating position of the DC motor is supplied, as data, to a deviation counter from the rotary encoder.

In addition, the sub CPU 155 is connected with a work RAM 158, a left camera 154L, a center camera 154C and a right camera 154R. The left camera 154L is a photographing apparatus and takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160 provided to the reel 151L by an instruction from the sub CPU 155. The center camera 154C is a photographing apparatus and takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160 provided to the reel 151C by an instruction from the sub CPU 155. The right camera 154R is a photographing apparatus and takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160 provided to the reel 151R by an instruction from the sub CPU 155. The work RAM 158 stores the two-dimensional codes photographed by the respective cameras 154 and stores a specified relation between the symbols 161 from a content of the two-dimensional codes.

The hopper 66 is mounted in the cabinet 11 and pays out a predetermined number of coins to the coin tray 18 from the coin payout slot 19, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The coin sensor 67 is mounted in the coin payout slot 19 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects that the predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin payout slot 19.

The graphic board 68 controls an image display in the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. In addition, the graphic board 68 is provided with a VDP (Video Display Processor) for producing image data on the basis of the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarily storing the image data produced by the VDP, and the like. Meanwhile, the image data, which is used when producing the image data by the VDP, is contained in a game program that is read from the memory card 53 and is stored in the RAM 43.

The bill validator 22 reads an image of the bill and accommodates the normal bill in the cabinet 11. In addition, in accommodating the normal bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41, based on an amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores a credit-number, which corresponds to the amount of the bill transmitted by the input signal, in the RAM 43.

The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode having data encoded thereto, such as credit-number stored in the RAM 43, date and time, identification number of the slot machine 10 and the like, on a ticket, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, thereby outputting the ticket 39 having the barcode.

The card reader 36 reads the data from the smart card to transmit it to the main CPU 41, and writes the data into the smart card, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is mounted to the keypad 38, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when the player manipulates the keypad 38. The data displayer 37 displays the data which is read by the card reader 36 or the data which the player inputs through the keypad 38, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.

The door PCB 80 is connected with the control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C and a cold cathode tube 81. The control panel 20 is provided with a spin switch 23S corresponding to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a cash out switch 25S corresponding to the cash out button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button 26 and a MAX-BET switch 27S corresponding to the MAX-BET button 27. Each of the switches 23S˜27S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when each of the corresponding buttons 23˜27 is pushed by a player.

The coin counter 21C is mounted in the coin receiving slot 21 and validates whether a coin, which is inserted in the coin receiving slot 21 by the player, is normal or not. A coin except the normal coin is discharged from the coin payout slot 19. In addition, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects a normal coin.

The reverter 21S is operated on the basis of the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41 and distributes a coin, which is recognized as a normal coin by the coin counter 21C, to a cash box (not shown) or hopper 66 mounted in the slot machine 10. In other words, when the hopper 66 is fully filled with the coins, the normal coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 21S. In the mean time, when the hopper 66 is not fully filled with the coins, the normal coin is distributed into the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight mounted to rear sides of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33 and is turned on, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.

(Processing Operation: Main CPU 41)

In the followings, it will be described a process that is carried out in the slot machine 10. When the main CPU 41 reads out and executes the game program, a game is started. As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the game executing process, it is determined whether a coin is bet (A1). In this process, it is determined whether it is received an input signal from the 1-BET switch 26S as the 1-BET button 26 is pushed and whether it is received an input signal from the MAX-BET switch 27S as the MAX-BET button 27 is pushed. When the coin is not bet (A1, NO), the process of A1 is re-executed and it is under standby state until a coin is bet.

In the mean time, when the coin is bet (A1, YES), the credit-number stored in the RAM 43 is subtracted, correspondingly to the number of coins bet (A2). Meanwhile, when the number of coins bet is larger than the credit-number stored in the RAM 43, it is not carried out the process of subtracting the credit-number and the process proceeds to a process of A4 that will be described later. In addition, when the number of coins bet is above the upper limit (50 pieces in this embodiment) which can be bet per one game, it is not carried out the process of subtracting the credit-number and the process proceeds to a process of A4 that will be described later.

Then, it is determined whether the spin button 23 is ON or not (A3). When the spin button 23 is not ON (A3, NO), the procedure is returned to the process of A1. Meanwhile, when the spin button 23 is not ON (for example, the spin button 23 is not ON and an instruction to end the game is inputted), it is canceled the subtraction result in the process of A2.

In the mean time, when the spin button 23 is ON (A3, YES), a symbol determining process is executed (A4). In other words, a stop symbol determining program stored in the RAM 43 is executed, so that it is determined the symbols 161 that will be stopped in the three display windows 150L, 150C, 150R. Thereby, it is determined a combination of symbols to be stopped on the payline L.

Next, a reel stop process is executed (A5) and the reels 151 are rotated, so that the symbols 161 of the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R are scroll-displayed. In the mean time, the scroll process is such that the symbols 161 are scrolled in an arrow direction and then the symbols 161 determined in the process of A4 are stopped (rearranged) in the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R.

Specifically, when a process of stopping the left reel is executed, the left reel 151L is stopped so that the symbols determined in the process of A4 are displayed (rearranged) in the display window 150L. In addition, at this time, a reel stop signal (left) is transmitted to an illegality determining process routine that is executed as a separate process in the sub CPU 155. The illegality determining process routine will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In addition, when a process of stopping the center reel is executed, the center reel 151C is stopped so that the symbols determined are displayed (rearranged) in the display window 150C. In addition, at this time, a reel stop signal (center) is transmitted to the illegality determining process routine that will be described. In addition, when a process of stopping the right reel is executed, the right reel 151R is stopped so that the symbols determined are displayed (rearranged) in the display window 150R. In addition, at this time, a reel stop signal (center) is transmitted to the illegality determining process routine that will be described.

Continuously, when all the reels are stopped (A6, YES), all the reel stop signals are transmitted to the illegality determining process routine that will be described (A7). When all the reels are not stopped (A6, NO), the reel stop process is executed (A5).

Following the process of A7, when the scroll of the symbols 161 of the display windows 150L, 150C, 150R is stopped, it is determined whether a combination of the symbols 161 stopped on the payline L is a winning combination or not (A8). In addition, at this time, when the winning determination is ended, a winning determining end signal is transmitted to the illegality determining process routine that will be described. In addition, when the combination is not a winning combination (A9, NO), this routine is ended.

In the mean time, when the combination is a winning combination (A9, YES), a payout process is executed (A10). In other words, when a winning of the winning combination is made, a payout-number of the coins is calculated on the basis of the winning.

When the coins to be paid out are stored, a predetermined credit-number is added to the credit-number stored in the RAM 43. In the mean time, when the coins are paid out, a control signal is transmitted to the hopper 66, so that a predetermined number of coins is paid out to the coin tray 19.

Next, it is determined whether a bonus trigger, as a winning combination, is made or not (A11). In other words, it is determined whether a combination of “BLUE 7” is arranged on the payline L. When it is determine that a bonus trigger is made (A11, YES), a bonus game process is executed (A12). Then, after the bonus game process is executed, this routine is ended. In the mean time, when a bonus trigger is not made (A11, NO), this routine is ended.

Next, the illegality determining process routine, which is executed as a process different from the game executing process, will be described with reference to FIG. 10. First, it is determined whether the reel stop signal or all the reel stop signals are received from the game executing process routine (C1). When all the reel stop signals are not received (C1, NO), it is under standby state until they are received. In the mean time, when the reel stop signal or all the reel stop signals are received (C1, YES), an initialization process is executed (C2). Specifically, the photographed image of the two-dimensional codes 160 and the reel position information, which are stored in the work RAM 158, are erased and a reel position information discordance times is initialized as “0”. The reel position information contains the information representing a relation between the symbols 161. Then, a position acquiring process routine is called, which will be described later, to acquire the reel position information (C3). Then, the acquired reel position information is stored in the work RAM 158, as reel position information in stopping (C4).

Next, after waiting for a predetermined interval, the reel position acquiring process is again called to acquire the reel position information (C5). Then, the reel position information acquired in the process of C5 is compared with the reel position information in stopping stored in the work RAM 158, thereby determining whether a result of the comparison is in accord with each other (C6). When it is determined that a result of the comparison is in accord with each other (C6, YES), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed after all the reel stop signals are received, or whether a winning determining end signal is received (C7) When it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed after all the reel stop signals are received (C7, YES), this routine is ended. In the mean time, when it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed after all the reel stop signals are received and it is determined that a winning determining end signal is not received (C7, NO), the process is returned to the process of CS.

Meanwhile, in the process of C6, when it is determined that a result of the comparison is out of accord with each other (C6, NO), 1 is added to the reel position information discordance times stored in the work RAM 158 (C8). Then, it is determined whether the reel position information discordance times added is a predetermined number of times or more (C9). When it is determined that the reel position information discordance times is not a predetermined number of times or more (C9, NO), the process of C7 is executed. In the mean time, when it is determined that the reel position information discordance times is a predetermined number of times or more (C9, YES), an illegal action signal is transmitted (C10). Specifically, an illegal action signal is transmitted to the hall computer 301 through the communication interface 44 and the network 300. Then, this routine is ended.

Next, the reel position acquiring process sub routine that is called from the game executing process and the illegality determining process routine will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the cameras 154 are enabled to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes 160 (B1). Then, the photographed image is stored in the work RAM 158 (B2) Then, an image converting process is executed for the image data stored in the work RAM 158 (B3). The image converting process is a process in which the image data of the area having the two-dimensional codes 160 indicated therein is extracted from the photographed and acquired image data, a slope or distortion is corrected, the image data is converted into black and white data by a predetermined threshold and the image data including the two-dimensional codes 160 seen from a front is acquired.

Then, from the image data acquired in the image converting process, the two-dimensional codes 160 are extracted and a correction such as noise removal is carried out (B4). Then, it is determined whether the two-dimensional codes 160 could be extracted, i.e., whether the two-dimensional codes 160 could be recognized (B5). When it is determined that the two-dimensional codes 160 could not be recognized (B5, NO), the acquired reel position information stored in the work RAM 158 is erased (B11). Then, this sub routine is ended. Meanwhile, when it is determined that the two-dimensional codes 160 could be recognized (B5, YES), the two-dimensional codes 160 acquired in the process of B4 are binary-processed, each of dots constituting the two-dimensional codes is replaced with “0” or “1” (B6) and binary-processed matrix data is produced (B7). Then, the binary-processed matrix data is decoded (B8). Then, it is determined whether the reel position information included in the decoded data exists in a symbol code table illustrated in FIG. 7 (B9). When it is determined that the reel position information included in the decoded data does not exist in a symbol code table (B9, NO), the acquired reel position information stored in the work RAM 158 is erased (B11). Then, this sub routine is ended.

In the mean time, when it is determined that the reel position information included in the decoded data exists in a symbol code table (B9, YES), the decoded reel position information is stored in the work RAM 158 (B10). Then, this sub routine is ended.

Next, a second embodiment of the gaming machine and the playing method thereof according to the invention will be described. In the mean time, the same members as the first embodiment are indicated with the same reference numerals and the descriptions thereof are omitted. In addition, the structure and operation same as the first embodiment are omitted.

(Corresponding Relation Between the Symbols 161 and the Two-Dimensional Codes 160)

FIG. 11A illustrates the surface and the back surface of the reel band 157. On the surface of the reel band 157 are attached the symbols 161. In addition, on the back surface of the reel band 157 are attached the two-dimensional codes 160 that correspond to the symbols 161 attached to the surface of the reel band 157. On the back surfaces of the symbols 161 attached on the surface of the reel band 157 are attached the two-dimensional codes 160 corresponding to the symbols 161.

Specifically, the symbol 161 a attached on the surface is “RED 7,” and the two-dimensional code 160 having the information representing “RED 7” is attached on the back surface of the reel band 157. In addition, although the symbol 161 b attached on the surface is “1 BAR” having a code number 11 illustrated in FIG. 6, the two-dimensional code 160 b having a code number 11 and the information representing “1 BAR” is attached on the back surface of the reel band 157 having the symbol 161 b attached thereto. Likewise, on the back surface of the reel band 157 having the symbol 161 c of a character “Don Chan” attached thereto are attached the two-dimensional code 160 c having the information representing the upper half of the character “Don Chan” and the two-dimensional code 160 d having the information representing the lower half of the character “Don Chan.” Likewise, on the back surface of the reel band 157 having the symbol 161 d of “BLUE 7” is attached the two-dimensional code 160 e having the information representing “BLUE 7.”

Like this, one symbol may correspond to the two two-dimensional codes 160. In other words, a single symbol may correspond to one or more two-dimensional codes 160.

FIG. 11B illustrates the surface of the reel band 157. On the surface of the reel band 157 are attached the symbols 161. The two-dimensional codes 160 corresponding to each of the symbols are attached at a predetermined interval from each symbol. Specifically, the two-dimensional code 160 a corresponding to the symbol 161 a is attached at a predetermined interval of a distance L1 from the symbol 161 a. In addition, the two-dimensional code 160 b corresponding to the symbol 161 b is attached at a predetermined interval of a distance L2 from the symbol 161 b. The distances L1, L2 are different from each other.

Like this, the symbols and the two-dimensional codes corresponding to the symbols may be attached at a predetermined interval. In addition, a predetermined distance between the symbol and the two-dimensional code corresponding to the symbol may be changed for each of the symbols, may be constant, or may not be constant.

Although the above descriptions have been provided with regard to the characteristic parts so as to understand the invention more easily, the invention is not limited to the embodiment as described above and can be applied to the other embodiments and the applicable scope should be construed as broadly as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseology used in the specification have been used to correctly illustrate the invention, not to limit it. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and the like included in the spirit of the invention can be easily derived from the spirit of the invention described in the specification. Accordingly, it should be considered that the invention covers equivalent structures thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Further, the abstract is provided so that an intellectual property office and a general public institution or one skilled in the art who is not familiar with patent and legal or professional terminology can quickly analyze the technical features and essences of the invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be evaluated by the claims. In addition, it is required to sufficiently refer to the documents that have been already disclosed, so as to fully understand the objects and effects of the invention.

The above descriptions include a process that is executed on a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and expressions have been provided so that the one skilled in the art can understand the invention most effectively. In the specification, the respective steps used to induce one result or blocks having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In addition, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the respective steps or blocks. Although the processes in the respective steps or blocks embody the signal as a bit, value, symbol character, term, number and the like, it should be noted that these have been used for the convenience of descriptions. Further, although the processes in the respective steps or blocks have been often described as an expression common to a human action, the process described in the specification is executed by a variety of devices in principle. In addition, the other structures necessary for the respective steps or blocks are apparent from the above descriptions. 

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display that has a reel having many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols and arranges the symbols; a photographing apparatus that photographs the two-dimensional codes and a controller that is programmed: (a) to rearrange the symbols; (b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and (d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.
 2. A gaming machine comprising: a display that has a reel having many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols and arranges the symbols; a photographing apparatus that photographs the two-dimensional codes; a notifying device that notifies a certain fact to an outside; and a controller that is programmed: (a) to rearrange the symbols; (b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; (d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols; (e) to specify a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement; (f) to compare the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and (g) when a result of the comparison is different, to notify it by the notifying device.
 3. A gaming machine comprising: a display that has a reel having a reel band wound thereon, which has many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols, and arranges the symbols; a photographing apparatus that photographs the two-dimensional codes; and a controller that is programmed: (a) to rearrange the symbols; (b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and (d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.
 4. A gaming machine comprising: a display that has a reel having a reel band wound thereon, which has many symbols on a surface thereof, two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols on a back surface thereof, and arranges the symbols; a photographing apparatus that photographs the two-dimensional codes; and a controller that is programmed: (a) to rearrange the symbols; (b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and (d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.
 5. A gaming machine comprising: a display that has a reel having a reel band wound thereon, which has many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols, and arranges the symbols; a photographing apparatus that photographs the two-dimensional codes; a notifying device that notifies a certain fact to an outside; and a controller that is programmed: (a) to rearrange the symbols; (b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; (d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols; (e) to specify a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement; (f) to compare the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and (g) when a result of the comparison is different, to notify it by the notifying device.
 6. A gaming machine comprising: a display that has a reel having a reel band wound thereon, which has many symbols on a surface thereof and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols on a back surface thereof, and arranges the symbols; a photographing apparatus that photographs the two-dimensional codes; a notifying device that notifies a certain fact to an outside; and a controller that is programmed: (a) to rearrange the symbols; (b) to enable the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) to acquire a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; (d) to determine a winning by the specified relation between the symbols; (e) to specify a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement; (f) to compare the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and (g) when a result of the comparison is different, to notify it by the notifying device.
 7. A playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display, the display having a reel having many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols, the playing method comprising steps of: (a) rearranging the symbols; (b) enabling a photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and (d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.
 8. A playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display, the display having a reel having many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols, the playing method comprising steps of: (a) rearranging the symbols; (b) enabling a photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; (d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols; (e) specifying a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement; (f) comparing the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and (g) when a result of the comparison is different, notifying it by the notifying device.
 9. A playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display, the display having a reel having a reel band wound thereon that has many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols, the playing method comprising steps of: (a) rearranging the symbols; (b) enabling the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and (d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.
 10. A playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display, the display having a reel having a reel band wound thereon that has many symbols on a surface thereof and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols on a back surface thereof, the playing method comprising steps of: (a) rearranging the symbols; (b) enabling a photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; and (d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols.
 11. A playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display, the display having a reel having a reel band wound thereon that has many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols, the playing method comprising steps of: (a) rearranging the symbols; (b) enabling the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; (d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols; (e) specifying a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement; (f) comparing the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and (g) when a result of the comparison is different, notifying it by the notifying device.
 12. A playing method of a gaming machine repeatedly executing a unit game in which many symbols are rearranged in a display, the display having a reel having a reel band wound thereon that has many symbols on a surface thereof and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols on a back surface thereof, the playing method comprising steps of: (a) rearranging the symbols; (b) enabling the photographing apparatus to take a photograph of the two-dimensional codes; (c) acquiring a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed, thereby specifying a relation between the symbols rearranged; (d) determining a winning by the specified relation between the symbols; (e) specifying a relation between the symbols at a predetermined interval after the rearrangement; (f) comparing the specified relation with the relation between the symbols in the previous time; and (g) when a result of the comparison is different, notifying it by the notifying device. 